This has been an interesting week. On Tuesday, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), began protesting at Bangkok’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi, which resulted in the closure of the airport when they “stormed” the airport control towers and stopped allowing planes in and out. It’s now Saturday morning and both Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang (the older, domestic airport) have been closed for days. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are now stranded in destinations around the world while this major hub of travel in Asia is non-functioning.
Oddly enough, life seems to be going on entirely as normal here in the city. The streets are calmer than usual – less traffic, less people out and about – but that’s about it. We continue to go to school and work every day, ride the BTS, and enjoy living downtown. It’s a strange feeling, knowing that something critical to the county’s future is happening just on the outskirts of the city, but having absolutely no effect on our daily life.
I wonder when all this is going to end? Technically, I suppose I’m stranded in Bangkok, but if Bangkok is home, does that really count as stranded?
Treasure Island by Aaron Escobar
Yeah, it’s hard to believe that some areas of the city look very serious and dangerous while on some others, lives go on like nothing has ever happened…
We have a holiday planned if the airport does open. Do you think it’s safe for travelers to return once the airport opens? We will be in Bangkok, Chiangmai and Phuket for 2 weeks.
SuperK — we’ve been thinking about you and wondering if everything’s okay!? I’m glad to know that you and A. haven’t been affected in your daily lives.
Thanks for the update. I’ll write!
m.